Innovative Young Minds Shine at Local Entrepreneurship Event
In an exciting showcase of young entrepreneurial spirit, a group of fourth-graders from Great Oak Elementary clinched the top prize at the Baby Sharks competition, a local event inspired by the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” Held on November 21, this contest drew participation from over 150 elementary students across Danvers, who learned about product development and marketing over a two-month period. The event, orchestrated by senior DECA students from Danvers High School, aimed to cultivate early business acumen among these young learners.
Expanding Opportunities and Cultivating Skills
The 2023 Baby Sharks competition marked the first year that the event was opened to all fourth-graders in Danvers, expanding from its previous focus on just Thorpe Elementary students. High school project managers Aundrea Gaudino, Molly Godfried, and Lucas Landry designed a comprehensive seven-week curriculum that prepared the elementary students for the competition, with sessions on entrepreneurial thinking, public speaking, and product marketing. The culminating event was held at Holten Richmond Middle School, where finalists presented their innovative products to an audience of over 200 family members and friends, with judging conducted by Danvers High DECA students and faculty.
Celebrating Young Innovators and Future Projects
The winning team from Great Oak developed the Color Blaster, a revolutionary paintbrush capable of dispensing all primary colors from a single tool, designed to simplify the painting process and ease cleanup. Other notable entries included ergonomic custom pencils, electric bikes tailored for the elderly, and a food probe designed to detect allergens. Beyond the competition, DECA students from Danvers High are actively involved in various initiatives such as business fairs and financial literacy programs, aiming to enhance practical education and foster inter-school collaboration. This concerted effort is supported by a recent $50,000 state grant intended to enhance programming and cooperation across Danvers schools, highlighting the community’s commitment to nurturing its youth through innovative educational opportunities.